1/3 of NZ families affected by alcohol and drug problems

A third of New Zealanders have a family
member who has experienced negative effects in their life
due to alcohol or drug use, research commissioned by the New
Zealand Drug Foundation has shown.

The survey conducted by
Research New Zealand to support the Drug
Foundation’s febfast fundraising campaign shows that
many New Zealand families are affected by
addiction.

“One in three New Zealanders have first-hand
knowledge of what it is like to deal with a family member
who is experiencing negative effects due to alcohol or drug
use,” New Zealand Drug Foundation executive Director Ross
Bell said.

“Many of us know a loved one who has
struggled with alcohol or drug issues, it is important to
support our friends and whanau through their journey and
help get them the support they need.

Mr Bell said that the
survey also showed 15 percent of New Zealanders don’t know
where to go for help when faced with a family member who has
an alcohol or drug problem.

“Because so many Kiwis are
affected by alcohol and drug problems, we need to make it
easier to find help.

“Men are two times more likely than
women to not know where to find help for alcohol and drug
problems. Those aged over 55 are significantly less likely
to know where to access help as well.

“This is something
we need to change.”

Mr Bell said that as we enter the
last week of febfast it was important to get behind the
cause and help raise funds to help families who are dealing
with alcohol and drug problems.

“This year, febfast’s
focus has been on raising awareness of alcohol and other
drug problems, and helping people understand these complex
issues. These results show how confused many people are
about where to turn to find help,” Mr Bell
said.

“febfast is helping raise awareness and funds so
that people do know where to go and there are quality
resources for families faced with an alcohol or drug
problems.”

febfast
facts• 2014 will be the fourth year the Drug
Foundation has run febfast in New Zealand.• In the
three years to date, febfast has raised over $260,000 to
help support organisations that assist young New
Zealander’s with alcohol and drug issues, and help people
better cope with substance abuse in their
families.• In 2013 the money raised from febfast was
targeted to the Drug Foundations Get the Msg! (Get the
Message) campaign. Currently Get the Msg! is a free drug
information service via text messaging. It provides people
with credible and factual health and safety information
about drugs in a discreet way, wherever they are at any time
of day.• In 2013 we increased our social media
presence and helped people to raise more money per person
than ever before!• The money raised in 2012 went
towards supporting youth alcohol and other drug services
across New Zealand included CareNZ, Evolve, and Odyssey
House.• The money raised in 2014 will go towards
developing resources for parents and families who are
struggling with alcohol and other drug issues.

Q1. Imagine
that a family member of yours is being faced with an alcohol
or drug problem. In this case, where would you go for
help?

Total

Base
=

501

%

GP/Doctor/Health
Centre/Hospital

31

AA (Alcoholics
Anonymous)

27

Other family
members

15

Alcohol Helpline/Drug
Helpline/Youthline

13

Counsellor

8

Police/Emergency
services

7

Internet

7

Treatment
or support services (general
mention)

7

Friends

4

Church

4

Citizen's
Advice Bureau

4

Salvation
Army

4

Community Alcohol and Drug
Services (CADs)

2

Ministry of
Health

1

Library

0

I
would just deal with it
myself

3

Other

13

Don't
know

15

The base numbers shown
are unweighted counts.Total may exceed 100% because of
multiple responses.

Table 2:Q2. Have any of your
family members ever experienced negative effects on their
lives due to their alcohol or drug use?

Total

Base
=

501

%

Yes

31

No

67

Don't
know

1

Total

100

The
base numbers shown are unweighted counts.Total may not
sum to 100% due to
rounding.

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